As of 10 a.m., about 1,455 voters had cast a ballot in one of the city's six polling places, said Anne Leffler, president of the city's Board of Supervisors of Elections. That equates to about 5 percent turnout, Leffler said.

"That is encouraging," she said, adding that the general election numbers were slightly higher than those reported for the city's primary election at the same time of the day. Polls opened at 7 a.m., and will close at 8 p.m.

Of those voters, 727 were registered Democrats, 569 were Republican, and 159 were "other."

The polling place with the highest turnout was the William R. Talley Recreation Center in downtown Frederick, which host three of the city's voting precincts. About 555 voters cast a ballot at the center before 10 a.m.

The polling place with the lowest turnout was Grace Community Christian Church on Rosemont Avenue. Only 66 voters had casts ballots at the church.

Leffler said that the election was going off without a hitch. "So far it looks like a good turnout, the weather is beautiful, and people are cheery," she said.

Voters will choose between bagel shop owner Randy McClement (R) and union executive Jason Judd (D) for mayor.

In the aldermanic race, three incumbents are vying to regain their seats in what many have deemed one of the strongest aldermanic races the city has ever seen.

Alderman Donna Kuzemchak (D) is vying for a fourth term. She joins fellow Democratic challengers Carol Krimm, Michael O'Connor, Kelly Russell, and Karen Lewis Young.

Aldermen C. Paul Smith (R) and Alan Imhoff (R) are both aiming for a second term. They join fellow Republican challengers Shelley Aloi, Amanda Haddaway, and Chris Huckenpoehler.

Voters casting their ballots at Evangelical Lutheran Church said the mayoral race is the most exciting because incumbent W. Jeff Holtzinger (R) is not running for re-election.

"I'm looking forward to some new energy and fresh blood in City Hall," said Frances Kadel, a lifelong resident of Frederick. "I'm looking forward to a mayor who listens to the residents in City Hall, and aldermen who do what's right for those who live in the city."

Kadel said she cast her vote for Judd and all the Democrats on the alderman ticket.

"It's the first time in a long time we've had such a strong ticket with people who have a vision for the city," she said. "I'm very excited."

Patricia Harrison, an 11-year-resident, said she was also looking for fresh blood and ideas, but found that promise with McClement for mayor.

"I think he's just common sense," Harrison said. "I'm always excited about change, and I think we're due for some change."

Harrison would not disclose her choices for aldermen, but said she did not vote for an all-Republican ticket.

E-mail Erica L. Green at egreen@gazette.net.